Dry Eyes

Our desert climate is one cause of DES. Others include lack of adequate tear production, hormonal change, side effect of medication, contact lens wear or insufficient blinking. Symptoms include chronic dryness, scratching and burning in your eyes, possible “foreign body sensation” and oddly enough, can include excessive tearing.

Treatment can include artificial tears, prescription eye drops and a simple office procedure called Punctal Plug Occlusion during which temporary or permanent silicone plugs can be inserted in the lacrimal (tear) drainage ducts in your eyelids to keep tears on your eye from draining away as quickly.